It was a fresh and breezy start at the British Eventing LeMieux Grassroots Championships at MARS Badminton Horse Trials, where standout dressage performances lit up both the BE90 and BE100 sections.
Joint leaders top BE90 Championship
In a thrilling start to the class, Lucy Jowett with Lilly and Holly Jessett aboard Lombard Lad share the lead, both sitting on an impressive 27.1 going into the next phase.
Lucy commented: “I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet – I’m still a bit in shock to be honest! It was amazing. I just wanted to go in and give Lilly a nice, smooth test and get through it, and she really improved as she went on. She started a little tense but just kept getting better, and I was so pleased with how she finished.
It’s our first time at Badminton, which makes it even more special. I’ve had her since she was eight (we actually bought her for my mum), so to be here with her now means a lot.
“I’m really looking forward to the cross-country. It looks like a course you can attack and ride forward, with some tougher questions towards the end, but it feels fair.
Honestly, I’m just loving it. I’ve been coming to Badminton since I was a child, so to be here competing… it’s just incredible.”
Holly said: “It’s amazing, I’m just so pleased with him. He went really nicely, and everything we’ve been working on at home really came together. We’ve been focusing a lot on connection and not rushing the test, just taking our time, and I felt like he really stayed with me throughout.
“I tried to ride positively down the centre line, keep him straight, and then maintain a nice, steady rhythm. Every transition felt smooth, and he just stayed relaxed and consistent, which was exactly what I wanted.
“I’ve had him for about seven years now, so to be here with him means a lot. This is my third time at Badminton – I came third here in the BE90 in 2023, so to be in joint first now is a bit surreal! It’s exciting, but definitely a little nerve-wracking too.
“I’m really looking forward to the cross-country. It looks like a well-designed track with plenty of questions, but really exciting – I can’t wait to get out there and give it a go.”
Just behind the leaders is Maddy Moffett and Odysseus HM on a score of 28.4.
Phillipa Hendry flies to top of BE100
Philippa Hendry and Flyer Des Coupeaux are leading overnight in the BE100 on a score of 19.8, delivering a composed performance that reflects the progress she’s made working on her own position and suppleness after a back injury, helped this season by trainer Rob Wayne’s support on the ground.
“I’m absolutely over the moon with him. He tried so hard, and this year I’ve had my trainer, Rob Wayne, come up to help me, which has made such a difference. I’ve never really had that kind of support before and it’s been a real game changer – just having his eyes on the ground.
“I’d had comments over the past couple of years that he needed to be more supple over his back, but I didn’t really understand what I was feeling or looking for. Then I hurt my back in February and saw an osteopath, who told me I had an old injury that had left my lower back very locked. It made me realise it was actually me causing the issue. She gave me exercises, and since then I’ve been working on my own suppleness and riding with more movement, what I call ‘thrusting’. The difference in him and other horses has been incredible.
“I bought him unseen as a three-year-old from Ireland – I just saw a photo and thought, ‘that’s my horse.’ It was a gamble that paid off. This is his fourth time here; he can be a bit quirky, but mostly he’s fine.
“Tomorrow will be a challenge, but I’m just really pleased we’re both fit, sound and healthy. I’m 61 now, and he has respiratory issues, so I have to be careful not to over-face him. We’ll just go out and do our best.”
Runner-up is Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic on 26.1, while Ella Stevens and Totally Worth It sit in third on 27.8.
Find out what faces the riders on cross country tomorrow with this great guided course walk by Dickie Waygood on Cross Country App
